Vehicle: 2005 Ford Taurus SE, 3.0L
Complaint: The customer says smoke comes from vehicle when starting.
Cause: Confirmed the customer’s complaint and found smoke coming from the vehicle when the engine was started. Inspected the vehicle and found...

Remember that R-1234yf is only mildly flammable. To become flammable, the mixture of air and refrigerant in a closed area like a vehicle cabin would need to be between 6.5% and 12.3% of the chemical vapor. This mixture must then experience a significant...

The new R-1234yf refrigerant is more than just a new jumble of numbers and letters on a label. For your shop, R-1234yf means several new procedures, a certification and new equipment in order to properly handle these new systems.
Why the difference...

As gas prices continue to drop, ­consumers will have a few more dollars in their pockets to spend on essentials, like vehicle repair and service. Getting customers to spend some of those dollars in your shop should be one of your goals this spring. With...

We often hear that the things that keep shop owners awake at night pertain to profitability, productivity, training, keeping up with technology, shop operations/expenses and parts quality/availability.
This month, we hear directly from one of your...

No two days are the same for the owner of a repair shop. Every day brings its unique set of challenges to overcome, but, for the most part, the day progresses along and one day passes to the next. But, there are those occasions when certain daily activities...

Air ride systems always used to have two diagnostic paths: either the vehicle was riding low or the compressor blew a fuse. Today’s modern vehicles have computer-controlled air ride units at all four corners that can pose a unique diagnostic challenge...

Millions of Ford ­Fusions were sold in the U.S. between 2005 and 2013. When it comes to alignments, it is critical to diagnose the customer first, to find out if their Fusion drifts or pulls, and then to check all of the possibilities for the complaint...

The Titan is Nissan’s full-size pickup. The Titan has had no major brake problems or recalls, and the brakes are fairly easy to service. Nissan had a few teething problems with brake judder on 2004-‘06 models, but this was corrected with better...

By now, we should be well past the things I heard as recently as two years ago: “Social media is just a fad,” “No one will follow a (repair) shop on Facebook” and “I don’t care what you had for dinner, and I’m sure you don’t care where...

The ArcticPRO ACX1280 machine from MAHLE Service Solutions received the “Best Use of Technology” new product award at the 2015 Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide Trade Show. The award was selected by an impartial panel of automotive...

Bartec USA released its next tool software update for its range of TPMS tools.
This latest tool software release integrates TIA’s TPMS Relearn Chart into Bartec’s TMPS software.
“The TIA Chart is a must-have for any back shop whether general...

Tests/Procedures: Test Fan Control (FC) module inputs as follows: 1. All tests are performed with the ignition key and A/C switched on and the connecters connected to the fan module. The fan control module is located under the radiator and has two connectors: a 14-pin and a 4-pin.

2. Verify approximately 35% duty cycle from the A/C pressure sensor at pin T14/2 (white) with the ignition on but the compressor not running (duty cycle will increase as the high-side pressure increases). A duty cycle above 90 or below 20 will command the compressor off and would indicate a faulty pressure sensor if the compressor is not running and the refrigerant levels are normal. This is a ground-side duty cycle. If the meter is hooked to ground, expect to see 70%.

3. Verify the presence of an 11-volt reference voltage at pin T14/3 (green). The powertrain control module (PCM) will ground this reference to request a compressor shutdown for a wide open throttle (WOT) condition or lack of throttle basic setting. Eleven volts is the normal expected reading at this pin.

4. Verify 12 volts to pin T14/4 (red/gray) via fuse 16, at all times.

5. Verify good ground to pin T14/6 (brown/black).

6. When the A/C is switched on and the blower motor is running at any speed, verify that 12 volts from the A/C switch in the instrument panel is available to pin T14/8 (blue/red). Note: The cooling fans should run at low speed whenever the A/C is switched on.

7. Verify 12 volts to pin T14/9 (black/blue), when the ignition is in the on position.

8. Verify the presence of an 11-volt reference at pin T14/13 (purple/yellow). The instrument cluster will ground this reference to request a compressor shutdown for an overheat condition. The cooling fans will also be running on high speed.

9. Disconnect the 14-pin connector. Using a fused 12-volt jumper, apply power to pin T14/10 (green/black). The compressor clutch should engage. If the compressor does not engage, check for wiring harness open circuit or loss of ground at the compressor. Reconnect the 14-pin connector.

Note: Pin T14/3 will be grounded by the PCM if the throttle basic settings are lost. If a ground condition exists on pin 3, perform a throttle basic setting procedure and recheck for correct voltage. If needed, a repair kit is available from Volkswagen to replace the 14-pin fan control module connector, P/N 6X09737717 KIT.

Models: 2014 and prior GM passenger cars and trucks
Some customers may comment about musty odors emitted from the HVAC system at startup in hot, humid conditions.
Cause
This condition may be caused...More

Air ride systems always used to have two diagnostic paths: either the vehicle was riding low or the compressor blew a fuse. Today’s modern vehicles have computer-controlled air ride units at all four...More

The first step in any diagnostic strategy is to figure out whether or not your customer's vehicle actually has a TPMS problem. Any number of things can cause the TPMS warning light to come on or flash....More

The ArcticPRO ACX1280 machine from MAHLE Service Solutions received the “Best Use of Technology” new product award at the 2015 Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide Trade Show. The award...More

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